Fifteen Russellville police officers took 24 children shopping at Walmart on Dec. 15 for the department's annual Shop with a Cop event.

The police department, with the help of the Fraternal Order of Police, Bridgestone America's Trust Fund, Asurion, Walmart, Ladies Club and several private donors, raised more than $3,600 for the event.

The police department works with the Salvation Army to find children to sponsor.

"We give them [the Salvation Army] the age range — usually school age up to 14 years old — and they choose kids with the greatest need," Lt. Keith Spears, who heads up the event, said.

In spite of being postponed a week due to inclement weather, the event had a better turnout than last year, when 21 kids came out to shop. Each child was given around $140 to spend and got to pick out their own presents.

"Some kids knew exactly what they wanted and were done in 15 minutes," Spears said. "Other kids took a little longer."

Over the years, several children wanted to use their designated money to purchase gifts for other kids, Spears said.

"It really puts it all in perspective," he said.

The police department has participated in Shop with a Cop for the past 19 years. It's the department's way of giving back to the community, Spears said.

"It's the one thing I've been able to keep us doing all these years," he said. "It puts a smile on the kids' faces and on the officers' faces, too."